Hey Guys,
After following quite a few of the existing ownership reviews on the Swift (in the past few months), I finally decided to add my bit. But firstly, would like to thank guys like Jaggu, Geeksrik, Kuttappan and others who've made other's ownership experiences so much more memorable. And the truth is that Jaggu's ownership review clinched the deal for me, so special thanks there.
Well, booked my white Swift LDi during the second week of May (was put off by the VDi's waiting period of 6 months) and had it delivered on June 14th (which coincidentally, happened to be my birthday). Got it delivered from Bimal, Indiranagar. Didn't really have any problems as such (with the dealers) apart from the fact that I had to make my share of pestering calls from my end, on the delivery date. In fact, was so very impressed with my Sales Agent (a guy named Rajesh) that when I was taking delivery I actually wanted to present him with a bottle of 'booze' as a token of appreciation but then my idea got shot down by a couple of friends.
It's now been 5 months of ownership and after clocking 12000 km's, I've got to say I'm more than pleased with the 'Bumble Bee' (which is what my roomies named it)
Well, about the mod's and ICE setup on the car so far:
1) Shod 185/70/14 Bridgestone Potenza GIII on Prestige 5 spoke alloys.
2) Art Leather seat covers (got them done from AutoShop and I love the design)
3) Pioneer 5950 HU
4) JBL GTO 607c Components (in front)
5) JBL CS 3196 Co-axials in the rear
6) TITONI clock in the dashboard slot for the clock.
7) Philips Rally H4 100/90 halogen bulbs (couldn't source the Philips Xtreme vision bulbs)
8) Roots Spider horns (not satisfied with the current installation, have to get it done again)
Future plans for the car (for later):
Planning to put in a 4 channel amp and eagerly awaiting the GT5 amplifier range.
Also planning to install a Green cotton filter with the dynamissation kit.
The Pete's tuning box is also on the cards but don't have the dough for it, so that's got to wait till maybe the 20 K mark.
About the ownership experience so far:
Engine: The main reason I chose the car and have I been impressed. The torque and the turbo when it goes past 2000 rpm, is something I don't think I'll ever tire of. There has been a little engine clatter but surprisingly I feel it's really gone down after the third service and it feels so much smoother now. (my guess is that it could be coz of the switch to synthetic engine oil)
Build: I've got to say it's one of the negatives of the car especially when it's natural to compare it with other cars around. My friend drives a Ford Ikon 1.6 and maybe thats why I realise what a big difference build quality plays. The doors do close with a solid thud but there are enough rattles inside to make me want to just tell someone else to drive and go searching for the source (in the back seat). I know quite a few members here who have got this fixed, unfortunately I haven't been able to (at my dealer).
Gearbox: Isn't the best that I've driven but I like the short throw on the gear shift. Still don't like the way it upshifts to 2nd gear though, feel like it does take more than the usual effort. Had the problem with slotting it into reverse earlier but either I've got used to it now or the problem's not there anymore.
Performance: This factor really does make me forget all the minor niggles and just enjoy my ride. Have done my share of high speed highway drives and I've always come away with a smile. Have pushed it to 160 km so far but usually stick to a safe 100 - 120 on the highways. Love the fact that I don't have to downshift if I need a sudden burst of power.
Ride & Handling: Love the handling of the car, have taken quite a few turns at around 100 km/hr and that's given me quite some confidence in the handling capability of this car. Have pushed it quite far, trying to understand what the limit would be. Satisfied with the braking too, though I agree it's possible to have the tail step out a wee bit, if braking really hard at high speeds. The ride though is not very comfortable, even though it's supposed to be a stiffer suspension compared to it's Petrol sibling. Pot holes do really make their statement, inside the car.
Mileage: Well, the best I've managed is a 22 km/litre on the highway with the AC on full time. But otherwise, it usually hovers around 19 - 20 which is quite satisfactory. I don't use it a lot within the city but I've checked mileage to be around 15 - 16, again with the AC on 95% of the time.
Overall, it's been 5 months of fun and I just can't wait for weekends. Been on quite a few long distance drives to places such as Pondicherry, Cochin, Coastal Karnataka (Gokarna), couple of times to Mysore, weekend trips to Chennai and I've loved everyone of those drives. Have plans to do a Bangalore - Mumbai too, sometime soon.
The Swift DDiS simply ROCKS !!!